PHOTOS: Special Camp Completes 29th Summer With Fun-Filled Virtual Programming

Like many student-programs of the past five months, Special Camp may have had a different look this year. But the St. Margaret’s summer camp program for children, teens, and young adults with disabilities continued serving the community in new ways during its 29^th summer in San Juan Capistrano.

The organization has offered online programming throughout the pandemic, recognizing the importance of social interactions during times of social distancing that can otherwise bring feelings of isolation. The remote meetups continued into the summer and culminated with a full-day Virtual Special Camp experience for a week in late July.

More than 45 campers and 45 counselors participated in the summer experience, many of whom have long associated with Special Camp. They took part in activities that included singing and conversations, do-it-yourself arts and crafts, a virtual zoo, scavenger hunt, bingo, picture frame painting, science experiments and cookie decorating. Participants also joined breakout rooms made up of five campers, five counselors, and two leaders for the one-on-one attention and interaction Special Camp is known for.

“Special Camp reimagined how it could serve the community during this pandemic, and our leaders did a great job putting together a fun and interactive week of virtual programming for our campers,” said Executive Director Lindsay Eres, who led a volunteer staff of 22. “While everyone loves and prefers the in-person camp experience, we received wonderful feedback for our virtual camp, which is a testament to the hard work of our leadership team, camp counselors and all the families who took part.”

The week ended on a celebratory note with the traditional Special Camp Awards Ceremony & Slideshow. An exciting addition to this year’s program was a Special Camp Talent Show, which proved to be a big hit as participants shared incredible music, art, and even live tubing on a lake.